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A police force in Britain is warning residents to be on their guard against distraction burglaries.

Officers in Peterborough are trying to get the message out that people must be aware and not fall for the con.

Distraction burglaries usually involve a criminal managing to get into someone's house under false pretences, before distracting the victim and committing a crime.

The cost of becoming a victim can be devastating, with irreplaceable personal items often taken and residents forced to claim on their home insurance.

"Fortunately distraction burglaries are rare in Peterborough, but when they do happen they can be extremely upsetting with victims often feeling embarrassed or humiliated that they have been tricked," said PC Phil Mylchreest.

"These thieves make a living by preying on and targeting the frail and the elderly and use a number of lies to try and gain entry to a property."

Police have released a few handy tips to help homeowners avoid being conned. Among them are such measures as locking doors and securing windows, fitting a spy hole and safety chains.

Recent figures released by the BBC show that 836,000 people in the UK were burgled between 2000 and 2001.

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